Tuesday, Feb. 26: L.A. Lakers at Milwaukee should be good. After losing three straight, the Lakers have won three, and are looking to maintain some consistency. Kobe Bryant has been dishing out more assists than usual lately, trying to help other players find themselves. Rick Fox is stepping up his defense. With Samaki Walker's elbow banged up, Robert Horry must step up and play stronger than he is. Shaq's bad toe will stay that way all season until possible surgery this summer. Shaq can and will still dominate, but he's saving his best for the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Bucks have gone through some struggles. They've won 4 of their last 5, but in general have been inconsistent. Sam Cassell is back from a sprained toe. Ray Allen has taken a step back this season due to a sprained knee from last year. Glenn Robinson's been inconsistent lately. Anthony Mason consistently defends and boxes out. The team still has no center. Off the bench, Michael Redd has made a name for himself, while Tim Thomas is still trying to prove that he's worth all that money.

Also: Memphis vs. Dallas, Utah at Sacramento.

Wednesday, Feb. 27: L.A. Lakers at Minnesota will be a tough test for the champs. After chasing the Bucks shooters around the floor last night, they get to deal with Garnett, Wally and Billups. In terms of totals, Kevin Garnett leads the Wolves this season in points, rebounds, assists, blocks, steals and turnovers. Other than that, he does nothing. Minnesota just got lucky and grabbed center Marc Jackson from the Warriors for virtually nothing. If he's at least solid, that's a big upgrade from what they were getting at that spot. At point, Chauncey Billups needs consistency. Wally bombs from the outside. Joe Smith is a step slow lately. The bench is thin. The key with this squad is what Jackson can bring to the middle.

Also: Orlando (T-Mac) at Toronto (Vinsanity), Milwaukee at Boston.

Thursday, Feb. 28: Indiana at Phoenix features two teams trying scrap their way into the playoffs. Indiana, being in the East, has a much better chance, and could go almost to the top if they can put something together. Trading Travis Best and Jalen Rose brough them scoring in Ron Mercer, scoring, defense and ruggedness in Ron Artest, and a big tough center in Brad Miller. Point guard Jamal Tinsley still can't shoot, but his job is to pass and only fire the rock when necessary. At small forward, Jon Bender gets the nod. Unless he stinks, in which case he'll quickly head to the bench. Jermaine's first game next to Brad Miller went badly, but some growing pains should be expected with this kind of change. The idea is that it'll help in the future, and when it counts. Getting Kevin Ollie, a backup point guard, helps as well. As for the Suns, they dealt Tony Delk and Rodney Rogers for Celtics rookie Joe Johnson, a pick, and spare change. Johnson immediately showed major skills, delighting Phoenix management. While Penny is banged up, Joe has more chances to step up right away. Shawn Marion rocks. Tom Gugliotta must step up more now that Rogers is gone. He's trying to prove to the league and himself that he can still play. The team still has no consistent center.

Also: New York at Miami

WEEKEND

Friday, Mar. 1: Washington at Chicago is big only if Michael Jordan plays. As of today, his knee is banged up and he may be forced to sit out the week... San Antonio at Minnesota is an epic Western showdown... Charlotte at Boston is definitely worth watching. The Hornets are trying to step everything up, while Boston must learn to make use of newcomers Delk and Rogers... Seattle at New York should be a field day for Gary Payton.

Saturday, Mar. 2: Cleveland at Atlanta features NCAA division 1 level basketball... Portland at Milwaukee presents tons of terrific individual matchups... same with Miami vs. Dallas... Minnesota at Utah features the young vs. the old... Houston at Phoenix pits Steve Francis against Stephon Marbury.

Sunday, Mar. 3: Detroit at Charlotte is solid... Orlando at Washington could be special if Jordan plays. Rip Hamilton is worth watching, and for the Magic there's that McGrady kid... Chicago at New Jersey should be fun. No one is more exciting right now than the Nets, and it's interesting watching how Jalen Rose and Chicago's high school kids are doing... Philadelphia at Toronto presents Iverson and Vinsanity on the floor.